AGP Executive Report

Sports (CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA Qualifier): Silver Strikers Ladies thrashed eSwatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs 5-1 in Botswana to book a semi-final spot, with Grace Kakangula scoring early and a hat-trick from Carolyn Mathyola helping the Malawian debutants cruise after a 2-0 half-time lead. Local Football Governance: The Premier League of Eswatini rejected a proposed status swap that would have let Manzini Wanderers return to the top flight under a new arrangement, citing rules and sporting merit. King’s Diplomacy: King Mswati III returned home after attending the SADC Summit in South Africa and an official visit to Malaysia, where he advanced regional and international cooperation. Health (HIV Prevention): Eswatini recorded 11,359 PrEP initiations in Q1 2026, up 37% year-on-year, as the country also reports a sharp decline in HIV-related deaths. Food Security: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini met the World Food Programme to seek support for national grain reserves and improvements to school feeding as El Niño risks loom. Research & Innovation: Namibia pledged continued support to help Eswatini operationalise its National Research Council and strengthen its national research and innovation system. Culture: Imbali from across Eswatini arrived at Ludzidzini Royal Residence to kick off Umhlanga Reed Dance preparations, with the song “Giya” topping the cultural airwaves.

Visa-free travel: South Africans can visit 31 African destinations without a traditional visa, with eSwatini included, as the Henley Passport Index puts SA at 101 visa-free destinations overall. Energy: The Lower Maguduza Hydropower Project is set to add 13.5MW to Eswatini’s grid in January, cutting reliance on imported power. Recognition for infrastructure: Two emaSwati professionals were nominated among Africa’s Top 100 Most Influential Africans in Infrastructure, highlighting investment, energy and development work. Justice & GBV: Magistrates met to strengthen Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act implementation, aiming for more consistent handling of gender-based violence cases. Home affairs crackdown fallout: Re-arrested Chinese nationals detained after illegal online gambling raids are demanding E208 million from government. Sports governance: Premier League of Eswatini rejected a Wanderers–Red Rhinos status swap, saying rules can’t be bent for popularity. Football (CAF qualifiers): Silver Strikers Ladies face a must-win against Nsingizini Hotspurs to reach the semi-finals after losing to Sundowns. Digital economy: MTN completed migration of its MoMo platform to cloud-native infrastructure in Eswatini and other markets, aiming for faster, more reliable mobile money. Food security: PM asked the World Food Programme to support national grain reserves and strengthen school feeding, amid El Niño concerns.

Umhlanga School Closure: The Ministry of Education ordered all Eswatini schools—public and private—to close during Umhlanga Reed Dance week, rescheduling tests and deadlines so learners can fully take part. Food Security Push: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini asked the World Food Programme to help Eswatini set up national grain reserves and strengthen school feeding, as El Niño risks loom. Justice System Training: Magistrates gathered to improve how the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act is applied, with World Vision supporting the workshop to close gaps in GBV case handling. Health Tech Partnership: A TaiwanICDF delegation visited RFM Hospital and Buhleni to review NCD prevention and early detection, including an AI-assisted eye screening tool for faster diabetic retinopathy checks. Digital Connectivity Boost: Jenny Internet pledged E570,000 to provide free Wi‑Fi at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, backing exhibitors’ online sales and customer engagement. Sports Update: Silver Strikers Ladies were beaten 3-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifiers and must win their final group match to reach the semis. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III congratulated Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema on re-election, pledging stronger ties.

CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA Qualifier: Silver Strikers Ladies must win their last group match to reach the semifinals after a 0-3 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, while Nsingizini Hotspurs sit in the mix after beating Costa do Sol 3-1 in the other group game. Sports: Manzini Wanderers face fresh uncertainty over their 8Bet Trade Fair Cup place after their relegation was confirmed at the PLE AGM, leaving their league status unresolved. Education: Senate figures show 6.85% of secondary pupils dropped out last year, with pregnancy cited as a leading reason, despite policies meant to protect learners. Governance & accountability: Eswatini Revenue Service loses a bid to challenge a USA Distillers tax dispute after the High Court refused to condone a late review application in a case said to involve about E77m. Infrastructure: Eswatini’s construction policy flags risky “build, forget” practices, pushing a full lifecycle approach that includes operation, maintenance and end-of-life planning. Energy: EEC has opened a tender for a third 10MW unit at Maguga, seeking EPC and financing partners to close a funding gap. Public services: Home Affairs cleaners were dismissed for soliciting money for birth and marriage certificates.

King’s Diplomatic Message: King Mswati III congratulated Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema on re-election, pledging stronger friendship between the two countries. U.S. Deportations in the Region: Liberia received the first 20 U.S. deportees under a deal to accept up to 1,200, with wider concerns raised about third-country transfers across Africa, including Eswatini. Parliament & Health Oversight: Education Minister Owen Nxumalo told MPs they should focus on campaigning and ensuring medicines reach people, arguing investigations into TLC should be left to oversight bodies. Sports & National Pride: Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force athletes dominated road racing, while Eswatini’s Silver Ladies and Silver Strikers posted CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier results. Energy & Power Plans: EEC opened a tender for a new 10MW hydropower unit at Maguga, aiming to close a financing gap. Aviation Push for Women: ESWACAA launched a Gender Equality Friday initiative to boost women’s participation in aviation. Local Governance & Compliance: Parliament ordered schools to close during Umhlanga week, and Home Affairs dismissed cleaners caught selling birth and marriage certificates.

Umhlanga Reed Dance School Closure: The Ministry of Education and Training has ordered all public and private schools to shut during Umhlanga week, with no formal lessons, tutorials or weekend study, and any tests or deadlines to be moved after the break. Parliament Under Pressure: Parliament will hold a retreat after Umhlanga amid reports of threats and intimidation of MPs, following claims that a minister confronted an MP over comments made in debates. Energy and Power Plans: EEC has opened a tender for an additional 10MW hydropower unit at Maguga, seeking EPC contractors and financing to close a funding gap. Nuclear Energy Signals: Eswatini says it is seriously considering nuclear power after presenting its “build capability first” approach at the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit. Corruption Crackdown: Two Home Affairs cleaners were dismissed for soliciting money in exchange for birth and marriage certificates. Sports—CAF Women’s Qualifiers: Mamelodi Sundowns thrashed eSwatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs 8-0, while Silver Strikers Ladies began with a 2-1 comeback win over Costa do Sol.

Deportations and TPS fallout: A U.S. court has lifted the last stay after the Supreme Court cleared the end of temporary protected status, opening the door to deportations from 13 countries and raising fears for more than 1.3 million people losing legal protection. Liberia deal under scrutiny: Liberia’s first batch of 20 U.S.-deported migrants arrived under a third-country agreement for up to 1,200 people, while reports say the U.S. paid Liberia $5 million—contradicting Liberia’s earlier “no compensation” claim. Local governance and rights: Eswatini’s Land Management Board is moving toward stronger powers to demolish homes and structures built on hills and mountains, citing environmental and safety concerns. Corruption crackdown: Two Home Affairs cleaners were dismissed after admitting they solicited money for birth and marriage certificates. Culture and schools: Schools have been ordered to close during Umhlanga Reed Dance week, with tests and deadlines rescheduled. Aviation push for women: ESWACAA launched a Gender Equality Friday initiative to boost women’s participation in aviation. Sports: Mamelodi Sundowns thrashed eSwatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs 8-0 in the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier.

Third-Country Deportations: The first 20 people deported from the United States arrived in Liberia under a deal allowing up to 1,200 transfers over 12 months, with officials saying arrivals can seek asylum in Liberia; rights groups and lawyers are raising concerns about due process and treatment after reports that some deportees were allegedly diverted to Equatorial Guinea. Umhlanga School Closure: Eswatini’s education ministry ordered all public and private schools to close during Umhlanga Reed Dance week, with tests and deadlines to be rescheduled. Home Affairs Corruption Crackdown: Two Ministry of Home Affairs cleaners were dismissed after admitting they solicited money for birth and marriage certificates. CAF Women’s Football: Mamelodi Sundowns thrashed Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs 8-0 in the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier, while Malawi’s Silver Strikers began with a 2-1 comeback win over Costa do Sol. Land and Demolitions: The Land Management Board is finalising a policy to strengthen enforcement against homes built on hills and mountains. Sports Sponsorship: 8Bet Trade Fair Cup teams received E200,000 worth of kits as the tournament gets underway.

Immigration Crisis: A Cuban deported by U.S. ICE to Liberia says he was taken off the plane and held in a hotel in Equatorial Guinea without documents or legal help, raising fresh questions about third-country deportations. Online Crime & Courts: An Eswatini-based syndicate allegedly trapped Brazilian victims with fake “confidentiality” contracts, bogus police identities and strict three-hour check-ins, while two Chinese online gambling kingpins were fined a total of E77k. Tech & Finance: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed a cloud-native migration of MTN Mobile Money in Eswatini and other markets, aiming for faster performance and support for “Ambition 2030.” Aviation & Gender: ESWACAA launched a Gender Equality Friday initiative to boost women’s participation in aviation, citing major gaps in technical and leadership roles. Health Policy: Parliament and NERCHA strengthened collaboration on HIV prevention, focusing on new infections and community-driven solutions. Regional Politics: SADC leadership shifts are underway as Ramaphosa takes the chair and King Mswati III leads the security organ, amid ongoing migration and integration tensions. Business & Media: ESCCOM licensed Sakha Live FM, and Icon Connect says it will bring a new urban commercial radio mix to the airwaves.

SADC Regional Security & Geopolitics: A Durban summit set economic priorities for SADC, but analysts warn the region still lacks a clear geopolitical strategy and credible security approach as major powers compete for critical minerals and influence. Aviation Governance: Eswatini’s RENAC board and CEO Qiniso Dhlamini’s terms end on August 31, closing a chapter marked by VVIP operations and the revival of Eswatini Air. Construction Accountability: Engineers reviewing the Bhunu Mall collapse say there may have been shortcomings, after a wall collapse killed an employee and injured others; questions now focus on compliance and project management. Broadcasting Growth: ESCCOM has licensed Sakha Live FM for Free-to-Air commercial radio, aiming to bring a fresh, youth-focused mix of music and lifestyle content. Health & Labour Conditions: Government is assessing working conditions at rural clinics ahead of new health sector allowances. Royal Development & Jobs: King Mswati III received assurances that Probase tarring will cover about 250km of untarred roads at an estimated E1.6bn, with local jobs and long-term maintenance plans. Sports: Nsingizini Hotspurs face fixture clashes between the PLE and CAF schedules as they juggle domestic cup action and continental commitments. Immigration Watch: Liberia has begun receiving the first group of US “third-country” deportees under a deal for up to 1,200 people, drawing legal and humanitarian concerns.

US deportations to Africa: Liberia has agreed to accept up to 1,200 “third-country” deportees from the United States, with the first 20 expected to arrive in Liberia on Thursday; officials say the group includes Africans and people from the Western Hemisphere, will be treated as “guests,” and can apply for asylum or leave, while critics raise legal and humanitarian concerns about sending people to places they have no ties. Regional governance & data: UNESCO, Smart Africa and Zimbabwe’s ICT ministry convened a Southern Africa workshop to harmonise data governance rules across countries including Eswatini, aiming to support cross-border data flows and future AI readiness. Eswatini fiscal & services: Government is pushing tax modernisation through the Eswatini Revenue Service, while MPs have passed a motion to create a health fund financed by levies to target TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer. King’s Malaysia visit: His Majesty King Mswati III met SMH Rail in Kuala Lumpur and invited the firm to invest in Eswatini, while also supporting emaSwati students in Malaysia with US$1,000 each. Local policy details: Home Affairs warned that incorrect chief codes on identity documents could derail scholarships, military recruitment and other services. Infrastructure & safety: Probase tarring plans cover about 250km at an estimated E1.6bn, but engineers have flagged possible shortcomings after the Bhunu Mall collapse. Sports: Nsingizini Hotspurs face fixture clashes between the PLE and CAF schedules, while Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs and debutants are set for CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifiers and Mbabane Highlanders are set to play Kaizer Chiefs in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

Regional Data Governance: UNESCO, Smart Africa and Zimbabwe’s ICT ministry convened Southern African policymakers in a workshop to harmonise data governance and improve cross-border readiness for digital services and AI. Tax Modernisation: The Eswatini Revenue Service is being positioned as the engine of fiscal discipline, with the 2026/27 Budget projecting E31.42bn revenue and a push on compliance, enforcement and digital administration. Health Funding Push: MPs passed a motion to create a health fund financed through levies, targeting TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer amid donor technical assistance gaps. Rural Clinic Allowances: Government teams visited Bhawini and New Heaven clinics to assess healthcare workers’ working conditions ahead of new sector-specific allowances. Home Affairs Paperwork Warning: Incorrect chief codes on identity documents could derail scholarships, military recruitment and other services, with Home Affairs urging citizens to verify their records. Madlanga Spy-Tech Allegations: South Africa’s Madlanga Commission heard claims of a plan to sell cellphone surveillance “grabber” technology to Eswatini. Roads Upgrade: Probase and Exim Bank assured King Mswati III that about 250km of untarred roads will be tarred at an estimated cost of E1.6bn. Sports—COSAFA Women’s Qualifier: Silver Strikers Ladies arrived in Gaborone for the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier, starting against Mozambique’s Costa do Sol. Football—Trade Fair Cup: Nsingizini Hotspurs face fixture congestion as the PLE calendar clashes with CAF commitments ahead of their Last 16 clash with Madlenya. Sports—Youth Games: Lesotho won 13 medals at Eswatini’s National Youth Games, highlighting regional youth talent.

SADC Leadership: King Mswati III has assumed the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chairmanship, signing an amendment to strengthen how member states handle subscription procedures as Durban summit leaders push industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture and regional integration. Regional Security & Climate: The National Disaster Risk Management Authority warns El Niño has a more than 90% chance of becoming “very strong,” urging stronger preparedness. US Deportations via Third Countries: Liberia agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the US over a year, with the first 20 expected Thursday, described as “guests” who may seek asylum. Local Governance & Housing: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla handed over six houses to vulnerable families in Mpolonjeni, Nkilongo and Lubulini, ending years of unsafe living conditions. Economy & Jobs: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini urged a shift in borrowing toward productive investment and job creation, while unemployment concerns remain sharp. Health & Society: Eswatini is urged to respond to rising diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, and government is examining ways to curb children’s access to harmful social media content. Sports & Culture: Mbabane Highlanders face Kaizer Chiefs in a closed-door friendly; Silver Strikers Ladies begin their CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier in Botswana; and Mhlume Country Club hosts a Princess Frozen family musical day plus evening live music.

SADC Leadership: King Mswati III safely arrived in Kuala Lumpur after attending the SADC Heads of State summit in KZN, where he again assumed the Troika chairmanship and has now officially taken over the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Climate Risk: NDRMA warns El Niño is now forecast to be “very strong,” with NOAA placing the chance above 90%, urging stronger national preparedness. Health Focus: Diabetes is rising fast, with new mortality data showing it overtaking HIV and TB as a leading cause of death, adding pressure on Eswatini’s non-communicable disease response. Governance & Corruption: Parliament debates allegations around The Luke Commission (TLC) fees and oversight, while Eswatini also moves to domesticate the SADC anti-corruption protocol. Public Safety: A Bhunu Mall worker was trapped for 11 hours after a wall collapse during renovations; she was later retrieved. Major Inquiry Claims: The Madlanga Commission heard WhatsApp chats alleging police-linked “grabber” spy-tech plans involving suspended Sgt Fannie Nkosi and late taxi boss Jothan Msibi, including claims of SAPS stamps and a Czech supplier. Youth & Online Safety: Government is working with ICT and ESCCOM to regulate harmful social media content for children, though no clear minimum age was stated. Sports & Community: Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies head to CAF qualifiers in Botswana; SNAT Big Bend launched a half marathon to fund its offices.

Madlanga Commission: WhatsApp messages read at the inquiry linked late taxi boss Jothan “Mswazi” Msibi to alleged “Big Five” cartel activity, including a plan to sell cellphone-surveillance “grabbers” to eSwatini using a Czech firm and alleged SAPS cover, with suspended Sergeant Fannie Nkosi allegedly stamping documents and acting as a key middleman. Local Governance & Integrity: The same testimony also tied Msibi to alleged intimidation and murky tender influence, as the commission continues to connect state-linked dealings. Sports (Eswatini): Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies head to the CAF Champions League–COSAFA qualifiers in Gaborone facing Sundowns, Costa do Sol and Malawi’s Silver Strikers, with coach Mpendulo Mawelela calling the Malawian side a “closed book.” Community & Education: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg was praised in Siteki for paying school fees for vulnerable pupils, after residents said some children had initially been left out. Regional Mobility: King Mswati III urged full inclusion of landlocked states in the North–South Economic Corridor, highlighting Ngwenya–Oshoek as Eswatini’s key trade gateway. Trade & Jobs: Eswatini’s aquaculture push got a boost as government expands inland fish farming via the Maguga Dam project, aiming to cut imports and create jobs. Public Safety: Mpumalanga police seized a Volvo truck at Oshoek carrying 49 bags of suspected dagga worth over R4m, arresting a suspect and tracing the consignment’s route.

SADC Diplomacy: Eswatini’s King Mswati III urged full inclusion of smaller landlocked states in the North–South Economic Corridor, calling for feeder links that keep countries like Eswatini from being left on the periphery of trade and industry. SADC Summit Outcomes: At the 46th SADC Heads of State summit in Durban, leaders backed a regional tourism visa and pushed an industrialisation agenda centred on critical minerals, infrastructure and agriculture, while South Africa took the chair and Zambia was named incoming host for the 47th summit. Regional Security & Politics: SADC leaders reaffirmed commitment to peace, constitutional order and democratic governance, with attention on crises including eastern DRC, Madagascar and Mozambique. Drug Bust at Border: Mpumalanga police arrested a suspect and seized a Volvo truck with 49 bags of suspected dagga (about 630kg) worth over R4 million at Oshoek Port of Entry from Eswatini; investigations continue on the origin and destination. Local Transport Costs: Public transport operators proposed raising minimum bus fares to E15 for trips up to eight kilometres, citing higher operating costs and vehicle depreciation. Eswatini in the Spotlight: UNESWA student Vuyelwa Karabo Simelane won the 2026 SADC tertiary essay competition, taking US$2,000 in prize money. Sports & Community: Mbabane Swallows legend Xolani “Chocco” Sibandze warned the club is “slowly dying” and called for urgent stakeholder intervention.